Promoted
Eastern Newts (Red Efts) - Notophthalmus viridescens
I found 2 small newts tucked into some rotting wood. They were being attacked by ants, yet weren't running away or fighting back. The larger of the two (on top), was pretty lethargic. The one underneath was really tiny.
I know that intervening with nature is often frowned upon, but I adore these salamanders and had to rescue them. I relocated to a safe, ant-free spot a few feet away.
Habitat: Mixed forest
The eastern newt or red-spotted newt is a common salamander of eastern North America. Eastern newts dwell in wet forests with small lakes or ponds. They can coexist in an aquatic environment with small, non-carnivorous fish, however, their skin secretes a poisonous substance when the newt is threatened or injured. They have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years in the wild, and may grow to 5 inches in length.
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